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When we set out to write a novel, we have one goal, which is to write a novel. But we also know that having the goal of writing a novel is not unlike standing at the foot of a mountain with the plan to climb it. We know it’s going to be amazing at the top but, man, that’s a long, hard path to climb. 

So today we’re going to talk about setting small goals along the way. Writing a novel is hard, and fear is part of the journey FOR EVERYONE. The way to accomplish it is to not focus only on the finish line, but on landmarks that are as close together as you need them to be. 

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup. Learn more at https://hellowriters.net

There is no one “right” way to write a novel. But there are basic types of plot points which every story, no matter how simple or complex, needs to include. Using a strategy like this Pixar storytelling model is one way to make sure you’ve got them covered.

Links:
Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

Ep 67: How to Play With Your Plot

Ep. 47: Tie Your Scenes Together

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup. Learn more at https://hellowriters.net/. 

Having vague or fuzzy ideas can lead to self-doubt and discouragement, but self-doubt does not need to keep you from writing your book. In this episode, we’re playing with plot ideas by asking the question “what if?” and watching as a story begins to take shape. 

Links:
Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Story Genius, by Lisa Cron

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

You can increase the chances that a reader will connect with your story, and understanding your ideal reader is one way to do just that. If you want the point of your story to come across loud and clear, you need to understand what your ideal reader is bringing to the table.

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

Self-doubt (a.k.a. imposter syndrome, writers’ block and the inner critic) is an experience that all writers have. The question is not how to get rid of it, but how to understand it and work with it. 

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Book your free discovery call! https://hellowriters.net/freecall

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Working with a book coach is a lot like working with a personal trainer for exercise. Can you do it without one? Sure! But are there benefits to working with someone who deeply understands the skills and strategies and will support you as you reach for the big goals? Absolutely. 

Links:

Book a free, no-commitment call to talk through your story: https://hellowriters.net/freecall

Want to write a novel but not sure where to start?
Started a novel but gotten stuck?
Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.

Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Why is your protagonist making the decisions they’re making in the story? If you want your reader to care about what happens next, the best way is to answer three essential questions about your protagonist's motivation. You can’t guarantee someone will like your book, but you can increase the chances that a reader will connect with your story. 

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Want to learn more about book coaching? Visit https://hellowriters.net/services

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.
 
 Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

What does it actually take to write a novel? This episode is all about what to expect in terms of effort, time investment and emotional exertion.  Writing a novel is hard, and it takes a long time. But it’s worth it! 

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Want to learn more about small group coaching? https://hellowriters.net/group

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.
 
 Follow Stephanie on Instagram for more writing-related (and, sometimes dog-related) stories! https://instagram.com/hellowriters

Feeling unmotivated or uncertain about your current work-in-progress? In this episode, we’ll dig into an important question that will unearth reasons you didn't even know were there and give you the confidence you need to move forward.

Links:

Take the quick quiz and find out your best next step toward writing your novel: https://hellowriters.net/quiz

Want to learn more about small group coaching? https://hellowriters.net/group

About:
Stephanie Dethlefs is a writer, certified book coach, teacher, and lifelong avid reader. She is the author of the middle grade novel Unspoken and numerous published essays and articles. She lives in Pacific NW Washington with her family, two cats and a spunky pup.